Report from Iowa by D. T. Bourdeau; A. C. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 17, 1866

Report from Iowa.

By D. T. Bourdeau; A. C. Bourdeau

DEAR BRO. WHITE: June 5, in company with Bro. Loughborough, we left Battle Creek, Mich., for Iowa. As we parted with those who had so kindly cared for us while at Battle Creek, we felt a strong Christian attachment for them, and were encouraged by the thought that we would be remembered by them at the throne of grace.

Having taken some rest on a sleeping car during a portion of the night, we awoke in the morning of June 6, finding ourselves in Illinois, and our attention was diverted by the extensive prairies which spread before our vision. We could not help concluding that this portion of the world had been less affected by the curse, in some respects than others, and could not admire the love and wisdom of God in reserving the rich western soil for these latter days. We reached Washington, Iowa, the same day, and found Bro. Robert Kilgore at the depot prepared to take us to his father's residence. We seized our first opportunity to rest, and took a sweet, hygienic nap, which made up in part for our lack of rest through the night.

The 7th, Bro. H. Nicola took us to Pilot Grove; and the 8th, 9th, and 10th, we attended the business and religious meetings of the Iowa Conference. Here we had the privilege of forming new acquaintances with many brethren and sisters from different parts of the State, which was appreciated by us as a stepping-stone to our labors in their various localities.

The 11th, 12th, and 13th, we traveled by private conveyance, first with Bro. Tomlinson, and then with Bro. Thomas Hare, from Pilot Grove to La Porte City, a distance of one hundred miles. We remained at La Porte City until the 25th, and held sixteen meetings. As we reached this place it was reported that Eld. Brinkeroff was coming to our meetings to pitch battle with us. This report proved true; for Sabbath morning we found Eld. B. on the ground; and at the close of our meetings (that day), in which we had enjoyed good freedom in dwelling on practical subjects, and calmness and peace which correspond with the sacredness of the Sabbath, Eld. B. announced that he would speak to the people in the evening, and challenged us to hold a discussion with him on the Two-horned Beast. We reviewed Eld. B.'s remarks the next morning, and refused to hold a discussion on the occasion for the following reasons:

1. The brethren were on the back ground on account of the opposition they had met, and needed more of a renovation and baptism into the spirit and work of the message, than a spirit of debate and contention.

2. The burden of our efforts at this time was for the church, who needed help; and such a discussion would divide our efforts among the church and unbelievers, and we would fail to see good results from our labors either among our brethren or among outsiders. It could not be expected that unbelievers would take a stand on unpopular truth, unless they saw those who professed it having a gathering influence. But

3. Even though these objections did not exist, it would be improper to engage in a discussion with Eld. B., because we would not be on an equal footing. Eld. B. had given several discourses against our views in the past, setting them forth before the people in a ridiculous and objectionable light, dwelling on those points, which, when taken separately and treated by an opposer, could not be understood and appreciated by unbelievers, thus prejudicing the people against us, especially those who had already heard the truth and decided against it.

4. Eld. B.'s party were not agreed as to what power the two-horned beast represents, and had two or three two-horned beasts in the field fighting one against the other; and according to Eld. B.'s own testimony, the two-horned beast which he wanted us to have a clinch with, was growing and being developed, for his faith was being strengthened in his application of the prophecy. We said that we preferred to see how their fighting among themselves would end, and that if one of their two-horned beasts survived the conflict, and had sufficient vitality and prominence to warrant a battle, then we would be on hand to meet the foe. Meanwhile we wanted to pursue the course that Gideon and his army did when their enemies were fighting against each other, and saving the Israelites the trouble of engaging in the conflict.

Eld. B. spoke twice against us while we were at La Porte City, endeavoring to lower us and our views in the eyes of the people, by throwing out insinuations against us, without giving a better platform. For instance, to counteract the good Spirit and freedom that we enjoyed, and the idea that the Lord manifested his healing power among us, he said that we were playing on the sympathy of the people, and referred us to Mormons and Spiritualists. This was opening the eyes of the honest. Again, because we told the people to be cautious and not to decide rashly, but wait for good evidence, he tried to make it appear that we were stifling investigation. To which we replied, That if he had heeded our caution, he would not have pursued the course he has for the past year and a half. For, admitting that he is right, he must acknowledge that he has moved rashly. First backing down against Bro. and Sr. White and the testimonies, then humbly confessing on these points through the Review (See Vol. xxvi, No. 8; also testimony of Elder Snook in "Vindication of Elder James White's Business Career," sold at the Review office); and finally backing down again, and tearing down what he twice built up. A little caution here might have helped the Elder.

We found the brethren and sisters at La Porte City quite disheartened and discouraged, and more or less affected by the rebellion. But we did not feel to censure them, but rather to pity, comfort and strengthen them, by holding before them the good old platform of the messages on which they rejoiced when they first believed the present truth, as it was spoken to them in demonstration of the Spirit and with power and clearness. As the old way was again vindicated, their hope and courage revived, and at the close of our meetings eleven or twelve of the sixteen who belonged to the original organization, decided to abide by the messages as they received them at the first.

D. T. BOURDEAU. A. C. BOURDEAU.

P. S. To the churches in the southern and western parts of this State we would say, that we will visit you as soon as we can. D. T. B. A. C. B.

Marion, Iowa, July 3, 1866.